We
are proud to say our awesome BAIT SAVER CIRCLE HOOKS are considered “inline” or "non-offset" and meet the requirements of the new Maryland law regarding circle
hooks. Please check out this link to a recent article by Captain Brian
Mayer of Marauder Charters written about Bait Saver Hooks in Fish Talk Magazine
regarding this issue and how he uses Bait Saver Circle Hooks for trolling.

Non-offset circle hooks are generally defined as a hook
with the point turned perpendicularly back to the shank.

Benefits and techniques when using circle hooks

Circle hooks are designed to hook fish in the corner of
the mouth which makes the fish easier to release.

Circle hooks have been used successfully with both dead
and live baits for many species.

Circle hooks are used with what anglers call a
"dead stick" or still rod in a holder - anglers do not pull
back hard on the fishing rod to set the hook, it is more of a finesse
technique.

Circle hooks have shown to reduce deep hooking
of fish while J-hooks have a tendency to deep hook fish and puncture
organs, which results in mortality.

Circle hooks can greatly increase the survivability of
striped bass after catch
and release due
to shorter de-hooking times and reduction of deep hooking.

The general function of circle hooks is to hook fish in
the corner of the mouth, resulting in less injuries to the fish and easier
unhooking - this is already documented in department studies and in other
states.

Regulations involving Hooks, Bait and Striped Bass

An emergency regulation involving hooks, bait and striped
bass was approved by the state. The regulation goes into effect
on May 16, 2018 and ends Oct. 12, 2018. Here are the specifics:

Area covered by emergency regulation - Maryland's
portion of the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries.

Anglers must use non-offset circle hooks when
live-lining or chumming.

Anglers must use non-offset circle hooks or
"J" hooks when using fish, crabs or worms as bait or when using
processed baits while not live-lining or chumming (treble hooks are
prohibited).

The minimum size for striped bass is 19 inches

A proposed regulation to keep these temporary regulations
effective through 2018 and 2019 is already in progress. The department is accepting public comment on
these regulatory changes through May 29, 2018, and has also scheduled a
hearing. The hearing will be will be held at 6 p.m. May 17, 2018, at the
Annapolis Friends Meeting House located at 351 Dubois Road, Annapolis, Maryland
21401. Appropriate accommodations will be provided upon request.